Nature & Environment   

Enjoy an educational hike through ClearWater Conservancy's Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor! A guide from the Centred Outdoors program will lead participants as they learn about the local ecology, the nearby Scotia Barrens, and the importance of wildlife corridors.

Special notes: This tour is a three sneaker activity level with substantial amount of standing, walking, outdoor walking, historic tour pace, not all areas accessible.The hike will be 0.6 miles on a grassy path. The terrain is fairly flat with some gradual elevation change. Participants should come dressed for the weather and with sturdy walking shoes. Some trekking poles will be available for participants to borrow.

This leisurely walk will focus on finding and appreciating the many bird species migrating through central Pennsylvania. September is peak time to observe and learn to identify warblers, thrushes, and vireos as they make their way south.

Special notes: The walk is a two sneaker activity level with moderate amount of walking and standing, accessible areas.Wear clothes appropriate for the expected weather and shoes appropriate for a walk. 

 

Trail of the Ancients is a collection of National Scenic Byways in the Four Corners states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona—1,270 miles of roads. The byways connect archaeological sites of the Southwestern Native American peoples, going back more than 10,000 years, in a widely diverse geological landscape. This course is number three of four and covers the New Mexico portion. Chaco Canyon is in the center of this area and was the cultural hub of the Ancestral Puebloans. We will also visit Bandelier, New Mexico, and several pueblos and take a wild drive in the wilderness.

Due to the inclement weather forecast, the course is postponed. The course is rescheduled to September 23, from 10:00 am to Noon.

Blessing bundles are a gathering of gifts from nature: flowers, rocks, bark, feathers, etc. Add human creativity to fashion a thing of beauty and blessing for the home. Participants may bring natural objects from home or use the materials provided. This course will be held outside at the instructor’s home. If there is bad weather, the course will be rescheduled. 

Explore the beauty of Penn State's University Park campus while identifying historic and unique trees.

Special notes: The walks is a three sneaker activitiy level with substantial walking and standing, not all areas are accessible. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. 

A rare bird captures our imaginations. When is a bird considered rare, and why do some birders go out of their way to see them? Explore this question with Sue Braun, member of Juniata Valley Audubon Society and State College Bird Club, as she shares her passion for birds and the many places she has traveled in the United States to find them.

A rare bird captures our imaginations. When is a bird considered rare, and why do some birders go out of their way to see them? Explore this question with Sue Braun, member of Juniata Valley Audubon Society and State College Bird Club, as she shares her passion for birds and the many places she has traveled in the United States to find them.

The most important organism in human history is brewer's yeast, and the bountiful harvest we enjoy from this one species of fungi includes bread, beer, wine, and so much more. In this course we'll discuss the sugar-eating fungus (yeast) and why it produces the most controversial metabolite in history, alcohol. We'll discuss the history between humans and alcohol, from pre-historic times to that glass of rosé you enjoyed with dinner last evening, pausing to explain the techniques and how other plants/fungi are used to create your favorite libation. Here's to the rise of yeast, cheers!

The lay of the land and its geological and soil resources have affected the course of human events in Pennsylvania from prehistoric to colonial and modern times. For example, prehistoric Aboriginal people sought logical residence near water resources and sought bedrock geology that was composed of jasper to make rock tools and weapons for hunting, protection, or war. Later, during colonial and modern times, transportation of goods, including coal, was hampered by the steep escarpment of the Allegheny Mountains’ eastern front. The landscapes of the commonwealth are the result of underlying bedrock, surficial geology, and soils. The geological history of Pennsylvania goes back about 1 billion years, the age of the oldest bedrock. Since then, the land has been changing because of the processes of plate tectonics, continental glaciation, and constant mechanical and chemical weathering and erosion. The state geological map portrays 217 different bedrock formations from about a billion years ago to recent times. Bob will describe the landscapes and geology of the commonwealth, discuss how the two interrelate, and correlate how landscapes and geology influenced the people that lived and settled in Pennsylvania and those that live here today.

The lay of the land and its geological and soil resources have affected the course of human events in Pennsylvania from prehistoric to colonial and modern times. For example, prehistoric Aboriginal people sought logical residence near water resources and sought bedrock geology that was composed of jasper to make rock tools and weapons for hunting, protection, or war. Later, during colonial and modern times, transportation of goods, including coal, was hampered by the steep escarpment of the Allegheny Mountains’ eastern front. The landscapes of the commonwealth are the result of underlying bedrock, surficial geology, and soils. The geological history of Pennsylvania goes back about 1 billion years, the age of the oldest bedrock. Since then, the land has been changing because of the processes of plate tectonics, continental glaciation, and constant mechanical and chemical weathering and erosion. The state geological map portrays 217 different bedrock formations from about a billion years ago to recent times. Bob will describe the landscapes and geology of the commonwealth, discuss how the two interrelate, and correlate how landscapes and geology influenced the people that lived and settled in Pennsylvania and those that live here today.

The lay of the land and its geological and soil resources have affected the course of human events in Pennsylvania from prehistoric to colonial and modern times. For example, prehistoric Aboriginal people sought logical residence near water resources and sought bedrock geology that was composed of jasper to make rock tools and weapons for hunting, protection, or war. Later, during colonial and modern times, transportation of goods, including coal, was hampered by the steep escarpment of the Allegheny Mountains’ eastern front. The landscapes of the commonwealth are the result of underlying bedrock, surficial geology, and soils. The geological history of Pennsylvania goes back about 1 billion years, the age of the oldest bedrock. Since then, the land has been changing because of the processes of plate tectonics, continental glaciation, and constant mechanical and chemical weathering and erosion. The state geological map portrays 217 different bedrock formations from about a billion years ago to recent times. Bob will describe the landscapes and geology of the commonwealth, discuss how the two interrelate, and correlate how landscapes and geology influenced the people that lived and settled in Pennsylvania and those that live here today.

Each fall, Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park becomes an important stopover for migrating raptors and shorebirds as they journey south for the winter. Join us to discover how these remarkable birds navigate thousands of miles to their wintering grounds and learn practical tips for identifying them along the way. We’ll meet at the classroom building at the end of Marina Road and spend time observing and discussing these seasonal travelers.

Special notes: Bring binoculars if you have them—binoculars will be provided by the park, if needed.

Activity level is 1 sneaker: Minimal walking involved.

Trail of the Ancients is a collection of National Scenic Byways in the Four Corners states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. The byways connect archaeological sites of the Southwestern Native American peoples, going back more than 10,000 years, in a widely diverse geological landscape. This course is number four of four and covers the Arizona portion, most of which lies within the current Navajo reservation. Navajo life (and also Hopi), past and present, will be part of the discussion. Also featured will be Petrified Forest National Park, Homolovi State Park, Canyon de Chelly, and Monument Valley.

The most important organism in human history is brewer's yeast, and the bountiful harvest we enjoy from this one species of fungi includes bread, beer, wine, and so much more. In this course we'll discuss the sugar-eating fungus (yeast) and why it produces the most controversial metabolite in history, alcohol. We'll discuss the history between humans and alcohol, from pre-historic times to that glass of rosé you enjoyed with dinner last evening, pausing to explain the techniques and how other plants/fungi are used to create your favorite libation. Here's to the rise of yeast, cheers!

The most important organism in human history is brewer's yeast, and the bountiful harvest we enjoy from this one species of fungi includes bread, beer, wine, and so much more. In this course we'll discuss the sugar-eating fungus (yeast) and why it produces the most controversial metabolite in history, alcohol. We'll discuss the history between humans and alcohol, from pre-historic times to that glass of rosé you enjoyed with dinner last evening, pausing to explain the techniques and how other plants/fungi are used to create your favorite libation. Here's to the rise of yeast, cheers!

Come and partake in the abundance of greens to imprint cards for special occasions. Participants will use ink techniques to print with natural materials, creating beautiful impressions of the season.

Course fee includes $10 for supplies.

Once home to an iron furnace, grist mill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop, this area of Codorus State Park still bears visible marks from industrial activity dating back hundreds of years. During this moderate walk, we’ll explore how these and other industries shaped the landscape and discuss the natural processes now at work to repair and restore the land.

Special notes: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Please note that there are no indoor facilities or restrooms at this site.

Activity level is 3 sneakers: Uneven terrain and moderate walking. 

Our forests are facing a quiet invasion. Non-native species are threatening the balance of these delicate ecosystems, and their impact can be seen all around us. Join us to explore what’s putting our forests at risk, how these invaders spread, and what can be done to protect and restore native landscapes.

Special notes: The program will begin at the Visitor Center and conclude with a short outdoor walk.

Activity level is 2 sneakers: Light walking on mostly even terrain.

As wildfire smoke from distant fires increasingly affects Pennsylvania's air quality, understanding this emerging climate threat is critical. This course explores how wildfires generate smoke, how smoke travels thousands of miles to reach our region, and what smoke does to air quality and human health. Examine the recent smoke event when Philadelphia experienced some of the worst air quality in the world. Through interactive discussion, we'll explore who people trust for smoke information and how to build more effective communication pathways for future smoke events.